All agents have to complete real estate continuing education, but the best don't stop there. Our industry is ever-changing, and the most successful agents are the ones who never stop learning.
That’s why we’ve put together this collection of deep-dive resources just for you. These resources go beyond what's covered in our Preventing Identity Theft CE course, giving you deeper insights, fresh perspectives, and actionable strategies to apply in your day-to-day business. So dive into these expert-approved reads and keep pushing your business forward.
1️⃣ Being Your Clients’ Frontline Defense Against Fraud
Cybercriminals see your transactions as big-dollar targets—and they're exploiting email vulnerabilities, wire transfers, and financial details at an alarming rate. In this essential guide, you'll discover practical strategies to protect your clients, secure your deals, and confidently stop hackers in their tracks.
From recognizing wire fraud schemes to mastering secure communications, you'll gain actionable tips to keep your reputation—and your clients' funds—safe.
Melissa Dittmann Tracey
2️⃣ Don’t Be a Cybercrime Statistic
Did you know that over half of small businesses shut down within six months of a cyberattack? It’s a harsh reality, but one that real estate brokers can’t afford to ignore. A recent National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) counsel laid out the biggest cyber risks threatening brokerages today—think phishing scams, email hacks, and even ransomware attacks—and, more importantly, how to defend against them.
3️⃣ Rental Listing Scams
Scammers are getting sneakier—cloning real listings or making up fake rentals to trick people into sending deposits via wire transfer, gift cards, or crypto (aka, cash you’ll never get back).
A new consumer advisory breaks down red flags to watch for, like listings that seem too good to be true or landlords who rush you to pay before you even see the place. Rule #1: Never send money for a home you haven’t visited!
Andrew Rayo
4️⃣ Mortgage Closing Scams
Imagine this—you’re days away from closing, and suddenly, you get an email with new wiring instructions. It looks legit, but it’s actually a scam. Real estate wire fraud is on the rise, with hackers infiltrating agent and title company emails to send fake instructions, tricking buyers into wiring money straight into a fraudster’s account.
This government-issued guide is a must-read for buyers and industry pros alike—because one wrong move could mean losing everything.
Melissa Yu
5️⃣ Protect Against a Cyberattack
Did you know real estate is the third most-targeted industry by cybercriminals? With huge transactions and loads of personal data at stake, hackers are constantly on the attack. A Realtor® association blog just dropped expert insights on the biggest threats—and how agents can stay ahead.
Wire transfer fraud tops the list (always verify wiring instructions over the phone), but phishing scams and mobile security threats are also rampant. The article reminds agents to "think before you click" on suspicious links and to protect their devices with antivirus software. This state-level cybersecurity breakdown is packed with real-world tips to keep your business and clients safe.
Hope Walborn
6️⃣ 5 Common Real Estate Scams You Need to Know About
From wire transfer fraud to deed theft, scammers are finding new ways to target homeowners, buyers, and agents alike. A cybersecurity nonprofit’s guide breaks down the top five real estate scams and gives clear, actionable tips to protect yourself. One growing concern?
Deed fraud, where criminals forge property titles to illegally transfer ownership—so rampant that law enforcement has issued official warnings. Other scams, like loan flipping and foreclosure relief fraud, are draining homeowners' finances with shady tactics. The guide offers practical advice, from monitoring your title to using verified payment methods.
7️⃣ Protecting Personal Information
Handling client PII (Personally Identifiable Information) comes with serious responsibility—one breach can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and a tarnished reputation.
The Federal Trade Commission’s free guide breaks down five essential security principles every small business should follow: Take Stock (know what data you have), Scale Down (keep only what’s necessary), Lock It (secure your data), Pitch It (dispose of what you don’t need properly), and Plan Ahead (prepare for potential breaches). Brokers, use this guide to audit and strengthen your data security practices!
Stephanie T. Nguyen, Chief Technologist
8️⃣ Strengthen Your Cybersecurity
Think cybersecurity is just for big corporations? Think again! The Small Business Administration (SBA) outlines simple yet powerful steps to prevent cyberattacks—because most breaches happen due to employee mistakes.
Training your team on phishing scams, securing networks with VPNs and encryption, enabling multi-factor authentication, and backing up data regularly are key to keeping your business safe.
Best of all, this practical guide is designed for businesses without IT departments, making it a must-read for independent real estate offices.
9️⃣ Ten Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses
Short on time but want to lock down your digital security? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a one-page checklist covering 10 essential cybersecurity practices—everything from firewalls and antivirus software to training employees, securing Wi-Fi, and protecting payment systems.
It even includes physical security tips (like locking up unattended devices) and stresses strong passwords with multi-factor authentication. Use this checklist to make sure your real estate office isn’t missing any key protections!
